When is the Best Time to go to Phuket?

Phuket Weather Guide:

Thailand is a tropical country located just above the equator. Its extraordinary climate and welcoming community attract tourists all year round. It’s intriguing, yet complex weather can vary throughout the country or province, depending on the time of year, so it is worth researching what to expect in order to maximize your time in this beautiful country.

Phuket weather in January – March

These months are considered high season with clear blue skies, crystal clear, calm waters and slightly cooler temperatures than other months, proving a popular time to visit. It is easy to predict and give a Phuket weather forecast for 30 days during this time period. Daytime temperatures in January sit around 30.2°C/86.4°F with 70% humidity, dropping to approximately 25.5°C/77.9°F at night.
These months are also considered Thailand’s best scuba diving season, as sea conditions are perfect. The currents are low, underwater visibility is fantastic, ranging upwards of thirty meters, and there is no need to wear a wetsuit as the water temperatures are around 28.6°C/83.5°F. Surrounding islands are beautiful at this time of the year, and the Similan Islands are now open and are incredibly beautiful; not surprisingly, they are high on most scuba divers’ lists of dive sites.
Phuket weather in February remains constant, which makes exploring easy and predicting a Phuket weather forecast 15 days easier. Temperatures can slightly increase to around 30.8°C/87.4°F and in March to approximately 31.7°C/89F. Phuket weather in March is usually the hottest of these months; the skies remain blue, and the sea is calm and warm at around 29.6°C/85.3°F.

Phuket Weather in April – May

April and May are Phuket’s hottest months, as temperatures significantly increase by the end of May. In April, you can experience temperatures of about 33°C/91°F with high humidity levels ranging from 60% to 90%, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun.
April is an ideal time to see the sights if you want to explore before the rainy season hits, and air-conditioned restaurants and shops make for a welcome break. Scuba diving is still very much underway, with water temperatures at around 30°C, and around this time, sightings of Whale Sharks and Manta Rays can increase. It is also worth acknowledging that the Similan Islands close around the 15th of May to scuba divers, so many use this time to visit, often return visits to this beautiful dive spot.

Phuket weather in May is the last hot month of the high season, with high humidity and an average temperature of 32°C. However, a change is coming as the rainy season approaches, and May experiences the first tropical rainfalls. These usually take place as evening showers and can be pretty refreshing. Whilst the waters remain calm, the rains can bring the first challenging sea conditions, so always listen to and follow your dive instructor.

Phuket Weather in June – August

June continues to experience the rains, and temperatures only drop slightly. The rainy season has arrived a little later in recent years, and you may be lucky to escape the downpours, but there is no guarantee. If your only option is to visit in the low season, June could be your best month, as there is a higher chance of more sunny days when compared to July or August.

Phuket weather in July resembles more rainfall as the rainy season is underway, and the sea will be rougher and the skies cloudier. Whilst you may get quite a few sunny days while the weeks alternate between clear skies and grey, wet days in the low season, there are also times when it can rain for several consecutive days. This is a good time to visit the Gulf of Thailand.

Phuket weather in August is in the middle of the rainy season. It doesn’t automatically mean it will rain every day or all day; the sun still appears, and temperatures still sit around 30°C with approximately 79% humidity. The sea is still warm but some National Marine Parks close at this time.

Phuket Weather in September – October

September and October are considered the wettest months in the year in Phuket, with September being the wettest. You can expect more wet days than sunny, dry ones, but at the same time, there is still a mix. Visiting at this time of the year does have its advantages; it is not so crowded, and the roads are quieter. Accommodation is cheaper, and most tours and attractions operate as usual.
The average temperature is about 30°C, and the sea remains around 29°C. More people continue scuba diving in these months than you may think. Dive tours still go out and have the advantage of not being so busy, so divers can choose when and where to dive on the day.

Phuket weather in October is similar to that of September, with a mixture of rainy and sunny days. A highlight of October is that the Similan Islands reopen around mid-October and are well worth a visit. They will be relatively quiet this time of the year, so make the most of it.

Phuket weather in November

November sees a change in the weather with improvements on their way. Within an average year, you can enjoy a mix of sun and short rain showers. The risk of rain for the whole day reduces, and sunshine increases. Tours, attractions and excursions operate as usual, and prices are still somewhat low. The sea is regaining its calm and visibility underwater increases. Water temperature sits at approx 29°C, and land temp remains at around 30°C.

Phuket Weather in December

The weather in December starts to improve significantly, with the rain giving way to sunny days and cooler nights. Daytime temperatures remain around 30.4°C, dropping to about 29°C at night. The Andaman sea is calm and warm, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving, with visibility of up to thirty meters.

Phuket has a tropical climate and has high temperatures all year round, ranging from 25°C – 34°C (77°F-93°F). Like the rest of Thailand, Phuket has two seasons; Dry and rainy, thanks to the northeast winds for half the year and then from the southwest for the other half.

The dry season begins around November and ends around May when the northeast winds bring cool, dry air from the Asian continent resulting in clear blue skies, a gentle breeze in the early months and calm seas. Tourists flock at this time, and it is Phuket’s high season.

The rainy season starts around June through to October, when the southwest winds bring warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean, resulting in rainfall. These months are Phuket’s low season, but there are still many advantages to visiting in these months, with many tours and attractions still operating.

In conclusion, determining the best time to visit Phuket depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to engage in.